Combat Flip Flops Shark Tank Update
Combat Flip Flops is a veteran-owned and operated company specializing in manufacturing and selling footwear, apparel, and accessories. The company was founded in 2012 by former U.S. Army Rangers Matthew “Griff” Griffin and Donald Lee to promote peace and support economic development in war-torn regions worldwide.
The company’s unique approach to business involves producing its products in conflict-affected areas, creating jobs and opportunities for local communities. By doing this, Combat Flip Flops aims to contribute to the stabilization of these regions and improve the lives of the people living there.
The company’s flagship product, the “combat flip flop,” is a high-quality, durable sandal designed for rugged outdoor use. In addition to flip-flops, the company offers a range of other products, such as clothing, bags, and accessories.
Combat Flip Flops is also dedicated to giving back to the communities in which it operates. A portion of the company’s profits is donated to various charitable organizations that support education, demining efforts, and veteran support.
Combat Flip Flops is an innovative, socially conscious company that seeks to make a difference in the world by creating quality products and supporting worthy causes.
What Is Combat Flip Flops?
Combat Flip Flops are a brand of footwear designed to be both durable and fashionable, focusing on supporting and empowering people in conflict-affected areas around the world.
The company was founded by former US Army Rangers and is committed to creating jobs, education, and self-determination in war-torn countries by selling their products.
In addition, to flip flops, Combat Flip Flops also sells other apparel and accessories, all made in conflict-affected areas, to promote peace through trade.
Combat Flip Flops is a company that sells flip-flops and other products to create economic opportunities in war-torn communities. The company’s founders were former Army Rangers who saw firsthand how conflict could destroy local economies.
They created their business to help support these communities by providing job opportunities for people living there, such as Afghani women making flip flops from sustainable materials like blown rubber, recycled landmines, or post-consumer plastic bottles.
In addition to creating jobs, Combat Flip Flops also donates proceeds from sales to various charitable organizations, helping build schools, supporting refugee education initiatives, teaching life skills, or empowering individuals through microfinance programs.
In short, they are an example of a social enterprise — using business methods to solve social issues — that focuses on economic development instead of aid relief that may not be sustained over time due to a lack of community investment and involvement.
This way, Combat Flip Flops customers can enjoy high-quality, fashionable merchandise, knowing that the purchase helps fund projects promoting peace.
| Company Name | Combat Flip Flops |
| Entrepreneur | Donald Lee and Matthew Griffin |
| Product / Business | A flip-flop or sandal is made from leather or military-grade nylon |
| Investment Asking For | $150,000 for a 10% stake in Combat Flip Flops |
| Final Deal | $150,000 for a 30% stake in Combat Flip Flops |
| Shark | Mark Cuban, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner |
| Episode | Season 7, Episode 16 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
Who Is the Founder Of Combat Flip Flops?
The founder of Combat Flip Flops is Matthew Griffin, an Afghanistan combat veteran and West Point graduate. He co-founded the company along with Donald Lee and Andy Sewrey after returning home from active duty in 2012.
Matt was a field artillery officer in the US Army, leading heavy weapons teams during his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the military, he applied many leadership principles at Harvard Business School, where he learned about social entrepreneurship.
That’s when he met Donnie and Andrew, fellow vets attending HBS, and they collaborated to create a triple-bottom-line impact-oriented business that combines social, environmental, and financial values while offering alternative employment options for folks in regions affected by extreme poverty or conflict.
And so was born Combat Flip Flops, which today includes a range of lifestyle products beyond footwear and still stands behind its original vision by allocating some portion of every product sold towards community-building projects.
Combat Flip Flops Before Shark Tank
Before appearing on “Shark Tank,” Combat Flip Flops had already established itself as a successful business. According to the company’s website, it was founded in 2013 by three United States Military Veterans: Matthew Griffin, Donald Lee, and Andrew Sewrey.
Since then, the company has grown rapidly and has been featured in several publications, including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, Time, Fox News, and CNN Money. The brand won Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work award in 2020.
From their beginnings as a small start-up specializing in only flip flops, they have expanded into a lifestyle brand with items ranging from clothing to accessories to gear, and all handcrafted to exact specifications in Columbia, Guatemala, Thailand, and Laos.
These factors indicate a solid trajectory before entering Sharks’ Den and potential exposure to new audiences. However, details regarding finances are confidential under the nondisclosure agreement signed upon participating in the show without public release.
How Was the Shark Tank Pitch Of Combat Flip Flops?
Combat Flip Flops appeared on the popular television show Shark Tank in February 2016, during Season 7, Episode 15. Founders Matthew “Griff” Griffin and Donald Lee pitched their unique business model and product line to the panel of investors, also known as “sharks,” seeking an investment to help grow their company.
Griffin and Lee explained the company’s mission during the pitch to create jobs and promote peace in war-torn regions by manufacturing their products in conflict-affected areas.
They also highlighted their efforts to support education, demining, and veteran causes through their sales. The founders sought a $100,000 investment in exchange for a 10% equity stake in their business.
The sharks were impressed by the company’s socially conscious approach and the quality of the products. After some negotiation and discussion, three sharks – Mark Cuban, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner – decided to collaborate and invest in Combat Flip Flops.
The deal was finalized as $300,000 for a combined 30% equity stake in the company, with each shark taking a 10% share.
The appearance on Shark Tank helped Combat Flip Flops gain significant exposure, leading to increased sales and further expansion of their product line. The company’s partnership with the sharks gave them valuable mentorship and resources to grow and scale their socially responsible business model.
What Happened To Combat Flip Flops After Shark Tank?
After their successful appearance on Shark Tank, Combat Flip Flops experienced a significant boost in their brand recognition, sales, and overall growth.
The investment and mentorship from the sharks, Mark Cuban, Daymond John, and Lori Greiner, proved invaluable in helping the company scale up its operations.
Following the show, Combat Flip Flops reported a substantial increase in web traffic and sales, which allowed them to expand their product line and create more job opportunities in the conflict-affected areas where they operate.
The company continued to focus on its core mission of promoting peace and supporting economic development in these regions.
The partnership with the sharks also provided Combat Flip Flops with valuable networking opportunities and guidance in marketing, supply chain management, and business strategy. The company has since expanded its product offerings to include flip-flops and various apparel items, bags, and accessories.
Combat Flip Flops has maintained its commitment to giving back to its communities. They continued donating some of their profits to charitable organizations focused on education, demining efforts, and veteran support.
In summary, Combat Flip Flops has experienced significant growth and success after its Shark Tank appearance. The company has expanded its product line, increased sales, and continued to make a positive impact in conflict-affected areas by creating jobs and supporting worthy causes.
Combat Flip Flops Shark Tank Update
Following the airing of this episode, Combat Flip Flops’ revenue increased by 600%. Since then, they have sent more Afghan women to school and aided in clearing farmable land of landmines.
However, our research for the Combat Flip-Flops update uncovered disappointing information. The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021 caused the closure of its factories there. Despite this, the company labored to evacuate its employees from the area.
However, the Combat Flip Flops is still in business. The annual revenue is approximately $4.6 million. You can buy Combat Flip-Flops (and their other shoe styles) on Amazon and the company’s official website.
Is Combat Flip Flops Still In Business?
Yes, Combat Flip Flops is still in business. You can purchase Combat Flip Flops products from Amazon and its official website.
What Is the Net Worth of Combat Flip Flops?
The valuation of Combat Flip Flops was $1.5 million when it appeared on Shark Tank. The net worth of Combat Flip Flops is about $5 million as of 2023.
